Bollywood’s Herd Mentality – Dia Mirza

As if the build up to the recent economic crisis hadn’t provided enough proof, actress Dia Mirza also claims there’s evidence of the herd mentality in Bollywood too. “I started my career on a good note with big banners, good producers and good actors, but the films didn’t do too well,” she says, “We live in an industry that runs on a herd mentality. It functions only on the number of successful films you have, not your talent.”

The former Miss Asia Pacific is half-German. She has appeared in films such as Deewanapan, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Tehzeeb, Dus, Fight Club, Alag, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Honeymoon Travels, Cash, Shootout at Lokhandwala, Dus Kahaniyaan and Krazzy 4. She is most proud, however, of a film that she finished some time ago but hasn’t found a release date yet. It’s opposite Rahul Bose called Bits and Pieces. “Bits and Pieces is ready and sitting in the can since last year,” she explains, “Unfortunately, some good films don’t see the light of day. I am really sad people didn’t get to see the film despite its diverse story and strong characters. I hope it is released.”

Her upcoming movies include Acid Factory, Johnny Mastana, Alibaug, Kaun Bola and Kisaan. She is particularly excited by Kaun Bola: “It is a funny, light-hearted as well as an emotional film. It is not a senseless comedy like we have these days,” she says.